Tashkent allocates 131 properties for mahalla centers under restricted mayoral resolution

A restricted resolution issued by the Mayor of Tashkent allocated 131 properties across the capital's districts to entrepreneurs for the establishment of model mahalla centers through public-private partnerships (PPPs), according to an investigation by Sarpa.media.

The resolution, No. 877-14-0-Q/24, was adopted on November 29, 2024. The document reviewed by the publication lists 112 properties, while an annex contains information on another 19 properties and introduces amendments and additions to an earlier mayoral resolution, No. 417-14-0-Q/24, dated July 1, 2024. The projects are intended to include premises for the "mahalla seven," local community leadership teams, as well as libraries, Jadid corners dedicated to Enlightenment-era reformers, and free parking areas.

However, a check using the document's QR code showed that the resolution was restricted from public access under the classification "for official use only," with personal data protection cited as the reason. According to Sarpa.media, construction disputes associated with the resolution have attracted public attention in several Tashkent neighborhoods, including Mutaxassislar uylari, Cho‘lpon, Qadrdon and Oqqo‘rg‘on.

During its investigation, Sarpa.media examined 50 of the 131 properties using conclusions issued by the State Center for Ecological Expertise. Among the reviewed documents, environmental assessments for seven companies explicitly referenced the mayoral resolution. These companies were Mercury Energy, Basic Idea, East Dream Engineering, Universal Montaj Group, Nani Studio, Welcome to Bukhara and Orient Star.

Using coordinates provided in the environmental assessments, the publication created an interactive map showing the locations of the 50 projects and the names of their developers. Another nine facilities were identified through the Ministry of Economy and Finance's registry of public-private partnership projects. According to the registry, the cost of each mahalla center ranges from UZS 8bn (over $667,000) to UZS 12.7bn (over $1mn).

Although the registry does not provide precise coordinates, it identifies Kaykovus Invest as the company associated with Kaykovus mahalla, Ayino with Shirin mahalla, Yosh Nihol Tekstil with Birdamlik mahalla, and Prosperity Tashkent with Chakar mahalla. Omina Fayz Servis is associated with Feruza mahalla, Max Win Service with Ijodkor mahalla, Gold Zillion Pharm with Fazogir mahalla, Blessed Rent with Marhamat mahalla, and Universal Montaj Group with Qumariq mahalla.

According to Sarpa.media's analysis, in most cases, mahalla committees occupy only a small portion of the planned buildings, typically on the ground floor or in basement and semi-basement areas. The remaining space is allocated for commercial purposes.

Although nearly all reviewed projects include premises for mahalla committees, the project developed by INSAN 01 LLC makes no mention of a mahalla committee, listing only shops, classrooms and offices. Several other projects include residential, medical, hospitality and commercial facilities.

In Guzarboshi mahalla, plans include a seven-story residential building containing 80 apartments. In Birdamlik mahalla, a multidisciplinary diagnostic clinic with a 56-bed inpatient facility is planned. The project in Turon mahalla includes a sports and wellness complex with a swimming pool, gym and beauty salon. In Beshag‘och mahalla, plans provide for a six-story hotel combined with a mahalla office, while a three-story building with a rooftop restaurant is planned in Nihol mahalla.

Sarpa.media also examined Google Earth imagery alongside environmental assessment documents to identify the previous use of allocated sites. According to the investigation, new complexes are being constructed on existing parking areas in at least six locations.

These include a project by The Paradise House LLC in Matonat mahalla, a mahalla center with an integrated business center developed by Developers Sam LLC, and a five-story building associated with Rom Global Stroy LLC. Other identified projects include developments by Voris Property Management LLC in the Oliy Himmat and Abdulla Avloniy neighborhoods, ABC Cosmo LLC in Beg‘ubor neighborhood, and Umida Bintu Baxodir LLC in Bunyod neighborhood.

The publication also reported that existing mahalla buildings are being demolished in more than 14 neighborhoods to make way for multistory commercial developments.

The investigation reported violations of environmental requirements at several construction locations. Construction in the Nurliyo‘l, Abdulla Avloniy and Astrobod neighborhoods began without obtaining the mandatory state environmental expert review. In some cases, the required environmental assessments were reportedly dated retroactively after construction had already been completed.

The investigation also reported cases involving the removal of mature trees before construction began. In areas associated with Quyosh and Mercury Energy, mature trees were reportedly cut down before construction. According to the publication, developers stated in documents submitted to the Ecology Committee that no trees were present on the allocated sites, despite the existence of surrounding green spaces.

Sarpa.media examined the construction companies that received the largest number of land plots under the mayoral decisions. Most of these companies were affiliated with one another and connected to a network of individuals. Haike Zhineng, Max Win Service and Best-Tall-House were among the companies that each received two projects.

The publication reported that some companies shared founders, executives or accountants, while several other limited liability companies had been declared bankrupt or liquidated. The investigation also reported that Doniyor Komilov, the son of Uzbekistan's former Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov, holds a 99% stake in Delta Global Dynamics.

Economist Otabek Bakirov and legal experts cited in the investigation raised concerns about the allocation of valuable land plots in Tashkent through restricted mayoral decisions. They argued that land had been allocated for commercial development under the stated purpose of constructing mahalla centers.

The experts called for a comprehensive audit of the transactions and the return of the allocated land to the state reserve. In Oqqo‘rg‘on mahalla, residents successfully challenged a mayoral decision authorizing the construction of a five-story building. The court declared the decision invalid. Separately, Uzbekistan's Anti-Corruption Agency has reported that local administrations have unjustifiably classified hundreds of documents as confidential within the E-qaror electronic decision-making system.